Today numerous Christians worldwide participate in Ash Wednesday as Lent (a 40 day period for repentance and reflection) begins.

Here are some of my favorite Ash Wednesday photos posted online:

Photo: Jennifer Balaska - public domain

Although Ash Wednesday is a popular tradition among Catholics, some Protestant churches also participate in the tradition of forming a cross on the church member's forehead.

Photo: Flickr/Maureen Didde - Creative Commons

 This picture shows a student in the Philippines observing Ash Wednesday.

Photo: Flickr/Jeff Pioquinto - Creative Commons